Researcher's Guide to American Genealogy Resource

The Researcher’s Guide to American Genealogy by Val D. Greenwood is a great resource for all serious researchers to own or have access to. Although the 3rd edition came out in 2000, there is still a lot of great information within it’s pages that are relevant for today’s genealogist to learn from.

The book has the following chapters:

Part 1 – Background to Research

Understanding Genealogist Research

Familiar Record Practices: Problems &Terminology

Analyzing the Pedigree & the Place

Evaluation of Evidence

An Introduction to Research Tools: The Library

An Introduction to Research Tools: Reference Materials

Organizing & Evaluating Research Finding

Successful Correspondence

Computers in Genealogy

Family History: Going Beyond Genealogy

Part 2 – Records & Their Use

Compiled Sources & Newspapers

Vital Records

Census Returns

Using Census Returns

Understanding Probate Records & Basic Legal Terminology

What about Wills?

The Intestate – Miscellaneous Probate Records – Guardianships

Government Land: Colonial & American

Local Land Records

Abstracting Wills & Deeds

Court Records

Property Rights of Women as a Consideration

Church Records

American Aids to Finding the Home of the Immigrant Ancestor

Military Records: Colonial Wars and the American Revolution

Military Records: After the Revolution

Cemetery & Burial Records

Illustrations & Charts

There is a group in the virtual genealogy world of Second Life that has meetings to discuss this wonderful resource. Some of the PowerPoints used in this discussion are online at slideshare.com. Here are those links:

A few times during the last few years I have heard a couple questions asked, "1)What resources should I look for when researching my ancestor?" and "2)What should I include in my portfolio when I am preparing for certification?". The answer I hear from experienced genealogists are to refer them to Val D. Greenwood’s “The Researcher’s Guide to American Genealogy.” The information within these pages are full of valuable informative information still relevant for today’s genealogists. I have read this book and refer to it often to get ideas to help me research my families and educate myself on topics I may not be familiar with.

So, as you decide what books you need to add to your genealogical library, “The Researcher’s Guide to American Genealogy” is definitely one to consider.